Can I Bug You?

The males of most insect species aren't thought to contribute much to their nests or colonies beyond DNA. Our guest today, UCR entomologist Meghan Moore, confounds that thinking with new research on bumblebee brothers, and sheds new light on the work that males do toward keeping their species going.

UCR mycologist Jason Stajich tells us what is and isn't really possible when trying to use fungi to control insect pests.

Imagine being a toddler, stepping out the door for the first time, walking 3 miles for some food and finding your way home again without a cell phone, GPS, or any kind of map. Humans would never, but this is normal for insects. Listen in and learn how they do it!
Cover shot by Cabezonication/iStock/Getty.

How likely is it that, on any given day, you see a random insect and it actually has a name? Why do insects need names anyway? Drop on by, we'll explain.

The coffee berry borer is a tiny beetle that represents a big and growing threat to most adults’ beloved morning beverage. It appears to be infesting new islands in the major coffee-growing region of Hawaii. Dr. Bodil Cass, subtropical entomology specialist at UCR, joins us to discuss this creature and as well as available options for protecting our beans.